Freeze-dried powdered yacon: effects of FOS on serum glucose, lipids and intestinal transit in the elderly

• Published in: European journal of nutrition 2014-10, Vol.53 (7), p.1457-1464
• Main Authors: Scheid, M. M. A., Genaro, P. S., Moreno, Y. M. F., Pastore, G. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cholesterol, HDL - blood; Cholesterol, LDL - blood; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Female; Freeze Drying; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Intestines - drug effects; Intestines - metabolism; Lipid Metabolism - drug effects; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition; Oligosaccharides - administration & dosage; Oligosaccharides - chemistry; Original Contribution; Prebiotics; Triglycerides - blood; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Waist Circumference
• ISSN: 1436-6207; 1436-6215
• DOI: 10.1007/s00394-013-0648-x

Background and aims Freeze-dried powdered yacon (FDY) can be considered a prebiotic product due to its fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content. The effect of 9 weeks of daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS on glucose, lipid metabolism and intestinal transit in a group of elderly people was investigated. Methods Seventy-two elderly (mean age 67.11 ± 6.11) men and women were studied for 9 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. They were randomly assigned to the supplement group (which received 7.4 g of FOS as FDY) or the control group. At the beginning and end of the study, anthropometric measurements, blood sampling, clinical analyses and dietary intake were assessed. Results A daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS for 9 weeks was associated with a mean decrease in serum glucose ( p  = 0.013), but supplementation did not reduce serum lipids in the study group. The administered dose did not adversely affect intestinal transit. It did not cause bloating, flatulence or intestinal discomfort. Conclusion Freeze-dried powdered yacon is a good source of FOS, and daily consumption can have a favourable effect on serum glucose in the elderly. It is also practical, easy and safe to use and store.